2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 BMW Z3 MOT pass rate and common faults

1,071 MOT tests in 2024. 72.5% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

125Well above average
Passed first time72.5%
Failed or needed repairs27.4%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 1,071 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault2.4%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.4%
  3. Position lamp: not working2.1%
  4. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.0%
  5. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements1.9%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn1.8%
  7. Washers: provides insufficient washer liquid1.7%
  8. Suspension arms - pins and bushes: pin or bush excessively worn1.6%
  9. Service brake performance: excessively binding1.5%
  10. Electronic stability control: warning lamp indicates a fault1.5%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Brakes15.8%
  2. Lights & electrics13.8%
  3. Suspension9.6%
  4. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.8%
  5. Emissions & leaks4.8%
  6. Body & chassis4.2%
  7. Tyres2.9%
  8. Seat belts & airbags2.2%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine10.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.4%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm10.1%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure8.3%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year does better than most cars its age, so it is a reasonable used buy on MOT record alone. Before buying, check the area that fails most: anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

← 2001 Z3All Z3 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 BMW Z3?

In 2024, 72.5% of 2002 BMW Z3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 1,071 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 BMW Z3?

The most common failure reasons were anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an abs fault; rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2002 BMW Z3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 125, which is well above average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).